TMJ/TMD
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)
For those who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth, health related problems such as facial or jaw pain could become more pronounced. This can occur because the jaw muscles are working harder to bring the teeth together, which strains the surrounding jaw muscles. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be suffering from a TMJ disorder, a painful condition that is often mistaken for those recurring headaches and jaw pain.
The temporomandibular joints are the points at which the lower jaw attaches to the skull, and are among the most complex joints in the human body. If your jaw clicks or pops, this could be a sign of TMJ disorder. Joint sound is one of the most recognized signs of TMJ disorders. TMJ disorder symptoms include:
- Clicking and/or difficulty when opening and closing your mouth
- Frequent headaches
- Neck and/or shoulder pain
- Sensitive teeth when no dental problems can be found
- Jaw pain or stiff jaw when chewing, biting, eating or yawning
- Earaches without an infection
At the end of the day, if your jaw hurts or your head is still pounding, you may be exhibiting TMD symptoms. If your pain continues for several days, talk to Dr. Amanda Juarez at Sweet Dreams Sleep Solutions to ensure that there is no serious problem. A visit to Dr. Juarez will ensure your oral health and help you to take the next step toward a pain free life.